Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Amazing Litle-Known Travel Destinations

Khor Virap Monastery is the closest monastery to Mount Ararat within Armenian borders. While looking at the mountain from the monastery, the closeness is so obvious, that you might think if you stretch your hand you can even hug it. You can take amazing photos of the mountain. Khor Virap Monastery is very significant for Armenian people not only because of its being very close to the Noah�s Mountain, but also because St. Gregory Enlightener was imprisoned here for 13 years (St. Gregory is the patron saint and first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church).

St. Georges Cathedral - Lalibela, Ethiopia

The church shaped like of a cross in Lalibela, Ethiopia is known as the St. George�s Cathedral. There is an entire complex of churches in Lalibela and many Ethiopians call it the second Jerusalem. On top of the all the churches that are that are carved out of stone, there are also many monastaires in the area to take a look at. In Lalibela, there are actually three different sets of churches to see that are all connected by tunnels in the city.

Yazd, Iran

Deep in the desert, the oasis city of Yazd is unlike any other in Iran.Once an important station on the Silk Road, with its historic mosques, minarets and ancient clay buildings, Yazd has resisted other Iranian cities' rush for modernity.It may possibly be the most beautiful desert city in the world.The word "Yazd" means "worship" -- apt since Yazd is known in the Islamic Republic as "the City of Muslims."Most of its half a million population follow the Islamic faith devoutly. Yet for a city renowned for its religious conservatism, Yazd is far more tolerant and open-minded than cities more accustomed to tourists such as Isfahan and Shiraz.

Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan is the main tourist attraction in Myanmar. One of the richest archaeological sites in Asia, is located on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Also being the capital of first Myanmar Empire, Bagan covers an area of 42 sq.km containing over 2000 well-preserved pagodas and temoles of the 11th- 13th century.

The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)

From the city Santa Marta (Colombia) with a small group (up to 6 people) for a great adventure. Although The Lost City can't match some of the other treasures found in South America the hike to the city is just awesome. The path takes you through coca plantations (and yes, people got kidnapped a few years ago so inform yourself before going) and through lowland jungle. After 3 days you reach the 1,200! (yes, you read that right) stairs that take you into the city.